Caramel Apple Dump Cake: A Quick and Easy Fall Dessert

easy apple dump cake, caramel apple dessert, apple spice dump cake, caramel apple crisp, fall dump cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake: The Easiest Fall Dessert You’ll Love

There’s nothing quite like the cozy flavors of fall, especially when they come together in a quick and easy dessert like caramel apple dump cake. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a cozy evening at home, or just craving a delicious, effortless dessert, this cake is perfect. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with the sweetness of caramel and apple pie filling make it a seasonal favorite.

If you’re looking for another apple-inspired dessert, check out this Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe from AllRecipes for a simple twist on this classic.

Why Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the Best Easy Fall Dessert

The beauty of a dump cake is its simplicity. As the name suggests, you just “dump” the ingredients into the baking dish and bake—no mixing required! The result is a gooey, flavorful cake that’s perfect when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of sweet apples and caramel creates a rich, warm dessert that’s irresistible.

For more inspiration, explore this Easy Apple Dump Cake Recipe from Betty Crocker. This variation incorporates apple pie filling and spice cake mix, just like our recipe.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This recipe calls for a handful of pantry staples that combine to make a perfect fall dessert.

Apple Pie Filling: Canned apple pie filling makes this recipe super easy, but you can also make your own homemade filling.

Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce for layering between the apples and the cake mix.
Spice Cake Mix: Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, it adds richness to the dessert.
Butter: Melted butter helps create a crisp, golden topping.

Optional Ingredients: Chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 2: Add the Caramel

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple pie filling. Make sure the apples are evenly coated with the caramel for a rich, gooey layer.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly distribute the spice cake mix over the apple and caramel layers. This dry cake mix will absorb the moisture as it bakes and form a delicious crust.

Step 4: Add Melted Butter

Pour melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. The butter will help create a crispy, golden top crust as the cake bakes.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.

Recipe Variations for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

1. Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake

For a salty-sweet twist, sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the cake mix. The salt enhances the caramel’s sweetness and balances the dessert’s flavors.

2. Nutty Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel layer for extra crunch. The nuts also add a savory note that complements the sweetness of the apples and caramel.

3. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dump Cake

Layer cream cheese over the apple pie filling before adding the cake mix to create a rich, creamy twist. This cheesecake version adds another layer of indulgence to an already decadent dessert.

4. Gluten-Free Dump Cake

Substitute a gluten-free cake mix for the spice cake mix to create a gluten-free version. Ensure all other ingredients, like the caramel sauce, are also gluten-free.

Tips for the Perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake

1. Spread the Ingredients Evenly

Even distribution of the ingredients is key to ensuring each bite has the perfect balance of apples, caramel, and cake.

2. Use a Nonstick Pan

Make sure your baking dish is well-greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent the caramel from sticking to the bottom.

3. Serve Warm

For the best results, serve the dump cake warm. This allows the caramel and apple filling to stay gooey and delicious.

Serving Suggestions for Caramel Apple Dump Cake

1. With Vanilla Ice Cream

The warm caramel and apple filling pairs perfectly with cold vanilla ice cream, creating a comforting contrast of temperatures and textures.

2. With Whipped Cream

A dollop of light, airy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and balances the richness of the dessert.

3. With an Extra Drizzle of Caramel

For added indulgence, drizzle more caramel sauce over each slice of cake before serving. This makes the dessert even more decadent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Caramel Apple Dump Cake

1. What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a quick and easy dessert where all the ingredients are literally dumped into the baking dish without mixing. As it bakes, the ingredients combine to form a cake with a gooey filling and a crisp topping.

2. Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

Yes, homemade apple pie filling can be used instead of canned. This allows you to control the sweetness and spices, making the dessert even more customized.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake up to a day in advance. Bake it and store it at room temperature. Reheat it before serving to refresh the flavors.

5. Can I freeze caramel apple dump cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

Caramel apple dump cake is the ultimate fall dessert, combining the flavors of sweet apples, rich caramel, and warm spices in a cake that requires minimal effort. Whether you serve it at a family dinner, a holiday party, or simply enjoy it at home with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dump cake will quickly become a seasonal favorite. With easy variations and tips for perfecting the recipe, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.

For more easy and delicious dump cake recipes, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction Apple Dump Cake for another variation you’ll love.

Spiced Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake: A Cozy and Delicious Fall Dessert

caramel apple cake, spiced apple cake, apple upside down cake, caramel apple dessert, cinnamon apple upside down cake

Spiced Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake: A Perfect Fall Dessert

As the weather cools down and the leaves start to change color, nothing captures the essence of fall quite like spiced caramel apple upside down cake. Combining the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with tart Granny Smith apples and a rich caramel topping, this cake is a true showstopper for any autumn gathering. Whether served at a cozy family dinner or as the centerpiece of a holiday dessert table, this cake is sure to impress.

For an equally delicious variation, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake for additional inspiration and creative takes on this classic fall dessert.

Why Spiced Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is a Fall Classic

The appeal of this cake lies in its combination of flavors and textures. The spiced cake base is soft and moist, thanks to the addition of butter and brown sugar, while the caramel-soaked apple topping offers a sweet, sticky contrast. When you flip the cake upside down, the apple slices are revealed in a beautiful caramelized pattern, making the cake as visually appealing as it is delicious.

For more creative takes on upside-down cakes, you might also want to explore Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking Apple Upside Down Cake, which offers a variety of fun twists on the traditional recipe.

Ingredients for Spiced Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

This recipe calls for a mix of pantry staples and fresh apples, creating a warm, comforting dessert that’s both simple and indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need:

Apples: Granny Smith apples work best due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the caramel. You can also use Honeycrisp or Gala apples for a slightly sweeter result.

Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought caramel sauce, but making your own adds a richer flavor.
Butter: Provides richness to both the caramel topping and the cake.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that pairs well with the apples.

Spices: A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives the cake its warm, spiced flavor.
Cake Flour: Creates a lighter texture compared to all-purpose flour.
Eggs: Essential for creating a light, fluffy cake.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spiced Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples and Caramel

Peel and core the apples, then slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange them in a single layer in a buttered 9-inch round cake pan.
Pour the caramel sauce over the apples, making sure they’re evenly coated. This step ensures the apples will caramelize beautifully when baked.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cake batter over the caramel-covered apples, spreading it evenly to cover the fruit. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Bake the cake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Flip and Serve

Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it from the pan. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, revealing the caramelized apples on top. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Recipe Variations for Spiced Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

1. Apple and Pear Variation

For a twist, you can mix apples and pears in the topping. The pears add a juicier sweetness that complements the spiced cake. Use a combination of Granny Smith apples and Bosc pears for the best flavor balance.

2. Nutty Caramel Apple Cake

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for an extra crunchy texture. The nuts provide a satisfying contrast to the soft apples and cake.

3. Spiced Rum Cake

For a more grown-up version, add a splash of spiced rum to the cake batter. The rum enhances the warmth of the spices and gives the cake a richer depth of flavor.

4. Gluten-Free Version

To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The texture will be slightly denser, but the flavors will remain just as delicious.

Tips for the Perfect Spiced Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

1. Use the Right Apples

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape during baking and provide a slight tartness to balance the caramel’s sweetness.

2. Let the Cake Cool Before Flipping

Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before flipping it onto a plate. This helps the caramel to set slightly, making the cake easier to flip without breaking.

3. Make Homemade Caramel Sauce

If you have the time, making homemade caramel sauce can elevate the flavor of this cake. It’s worth the extra effort for a richer, deeper caramel flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Spiced Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

1. With Vanilla Ice Cream

The warm cake, topped with gooey caramel and soft apples, pairs perfectly with cold vanilla ice cream. The contrast in temperatures makes for a delightful dessert experience.

2. With Whipped Cream

If you prefer something lighter, serve the cake with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. The airy texture of the cream balances the richness of the caramel and spices.

3. With a Caramel Drizzle

For extra indulgence, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the cake before serving. You can also sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the caramel for a salty-sweet finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of apples should I use for this cake?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they maintain their shape during baking, adding a slight tartness to balance the sweet caramel topping.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works just as well for this recipe. However, making your own caramel from scratch will give the cake a richer, more complex flavor.

3. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, make sure to generously butter the pan before adding the apples and caramel. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for extra security.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake up to a day in advance. Store it at room temperature, and warm it slightly before serving to refresh the caramel topping.

5. Can I freeze spiced caramel apple upside down cake?

Yes, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To serve, thaw the cake at room temperature and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive its texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Spiced caramel apple upside down cake is the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, combining the warmth of seasonal spices with the sweetness of caramelized apples. Whether you’re serving it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even an extra caramel drizzle, this cake is sure to delight family and friends alike. By following these simple tips and exploring the recipe variations, you can make this comforting dessert your own.

For another variation, visit Betty Crocker Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe for a fun twist on the classic upside-down cake.